I need advice -- DAT/Applying

[msusha15]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I just recently graduated in may in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry with a 3.91 GPA. I've been pre-med but applied with little motivation and kind of thankfully did not get in because my MCAT wasn't the greatest, and I only took it once. I've just now started observing dentists and I really enjoy it, and I've decided to begin to take on the task of applying this year. I'm planning on taking the DAT in mid september while continuing to get dental experience. Here are my lists of questions if you will:

Will my lack of dental interest before recently hurt me?
What materials should I use for the DAT? I have a fairly strong background, probably should do more along the lines of review and practice tests.
What score should I shoot for to be a strong applicant for out of state with my GPA? I live in Mississippi
And finally, is it not realistic to be beginning this process now and be able to get into dental schools?

Thanks, and any info is appreciated

 

[kevinrho]

This is just my opinion and others may think otherwise.

It is always worth a try. I know of a dentist who was pre-med took the mcats didn't get into med school and decided to go dentistry and got in. Now doing residency in cali.

However, I think you'll have to explain to them why you decided to go dentistry if you get interviews throughout the process. I mean it doesn't look good if you just took interest in dentistry as another option because you didn't get into med-school.

So if you show dedication and seem like you really have a sincere interest in dentistry then i'm sure you'll get in someday. =).

There are programs such as TOPSCORE - 3 simulation tests that come pretty close to the real thing (as I have heard) for $55. ACHIEVER pretty hard, some people say it is a waste of money, but if you want practice then it doesn't hurt to get extra tests; 3 tests for $60 or 5 tests for $100. If you need practice on the perceptual ability test then CRACK DAT PAT is the program to use for practice.

I haven't taken the DAT yet, but these are programs for practice tests that I am using.

I know you said that you already have a pretty good background on the subjects, but DAT Destroyer is a good book with lots of ochem, gchem, biol, and quantitative reasoning questions. Math Destroyer has 11 practice tests that you can use for practice.
You said something about competitive scores?
I'll let others say something about that because I don't know and don't want to give you the wrong answer. However, with your GPA anything above a 20 will give you a great shot… maybe even a 19. But like I said don't take my word for because I am not an expert =).